[24-hour sleep deprivation as a method of activating EEG signs in epilepsy]

In 195 patients with suspected epilepsy 24-hour waking was used as an activation method. Routine EEG tracings were normal in these cases (58%) or showed only non-characteristic changes (21%). In only 21% of cases typical seizure activity was visible. Typical epileptic changes were demonstrated after this activation in 43% of cases, that is twice as frequently. Seizure activity appeared usually at the time of somnolence and during light sleep, and 30-minute EEG recording was sufficient for its demonstration.